The Best Skin Care Acids to Use For Your Age
Want to start incorporating acids in your routine? Here’s a basic guideline you can follow!
The thought of using acids on your skin may initially sound like a torture device in a horror movie rather than a pathway to healthy skin, but I promise you it’s the latter. Skin care acids can refine the skin, create a more even and brighter skin tone, and give you that glow-from-within look we are all striving for.
If you’re still looking for the right acid for your skin, here are some of the best acid recommendations you should be using for your age:
Teens and 20s
For those in their teens and 20s, excess sebum and acne are two of the most major skin concerns. This is why AHAs and BHAs are favourites among this age group. Salicylic acid (BHA), is an especially good choice because it exfoliates the surface as well as within the pore to unclog blocked pores and prevent further breakouts, resulting in a smoother complexion over time.
Other than the best-selling COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, a great option for a milder, salicylic acid-infused product is the Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner, which also contains Aloe to calm skin at the same time.
30s
Anti-ageing becomes of utmost importance as people enter their 30s, so start incorporating Ascorbic Acid (AKA Vitamin C) in your routine. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has a number of skin benefits, including stimulating collagen synthesis, preventing damage caused by free radicals, treating hyperpigmentation, and also brightening your overall complexion.
The By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C21.5 Advanced Serum packs a powerful 21.5% concentration of Vitamin C. But if you're new to Vitamin C, you can start off with the gentler Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum.
AHAs (lactic acid, malic acid and mandelic acid) is also great for people who want to have a brighter, smoother, more even skin tone and texture. For sensitive skin types, you can consider By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Prep Water. Mandelic acid has the largest molecule of all the AHAs, which allows it to be more gentle on the skin.
40s
One of the best AHAs to use in your 30s and all the way through to your 50s, is glycolic acid. This can be found in skin care products such as COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, over-the-counter as a mild peel, or you can have a stronger peel done at a spa.
Another excellent acid to use in your 40s is retinoic acid (retinoid), a vitamin A derivative. One of our favorite products that incorporates retinol is the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Borabit Ampoule. Retinoic acid is one of the most effective and proven topical anti-ageing ingredients to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, texture and dark spots, while preventing signs of ageing.
50s and Beyond
As the skin matures, it tends to lose hydration and feel constantly dry. This is where hyaluronic acid can be helpful, because it boosts the skin’s moisture content, and can also temporarily plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can also use hyaluronic acid products in conjunction with AHAs.
Remember that these are just general guidelines to help you find the best regimen for your skin. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to using acids, so even if you are in your 30s and battling dryness, hyaluronic acid can still do wonders for your skin. And if anti-ageing is your concern in your 20s, it’s also totally okay to start using retinol. Just have fun playing around with these skin-loving acids!